Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
		S
				T
				P

(Best months for growing Okra in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays
T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
P = Sow seed

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
Space plants: 14 - 24 inches apart
Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicum, Chili), Eggplant (Aubergine)

Your comments and tips

21 Oct 10, Fred (Australia - sub-tropical climate): I just bought a packet of OKRA seeds from the REJECT SHOP. The D.T. BROWN packet of 50 seeds cost A$1.50 only cheers
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09 Jan 11, Jantina (Australia - temperate climate): I am a new comer to okra but i did buy the seedling from Magna Mart in Canberra
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20 Oct 10, Mark (Australia - temperate climate): Try green harvest in old. I got some a few months ago. Trying my first okra this summer? Any tips?
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25 Oct 10, salah yacoub (Australia - temperate climate): what best area in victoria to grew okra warm in my understanding
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27 Oct 10, (Australia - arid climate): You can get Okra seeds from Eden Seeds
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27 Nov 10, Nicole (Australia - arid climate): does okra need trellissing? Thank you!
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01 Dec 10, Helen (Australia - arid climate): No, it is quite a woody plant and will support itself if sown at the recommended spacing. I usually sow a double staggered row and end up with a sort of hedge. I find that in arid conditions the pods go tough very quickly so you have to pick them daily - although it might be a different story this season with all our recent rain.
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02 Dec 10, Sam (Australia - arid climate): A Google image search shows Okra without trellises. The Queensland DPI speaks of Okra farmed in raised-bed farming systems and doesn't mention trellises or other supports. Okra is used in Southern USA cooking both for flavour and because it naturally thickens soups.
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31 Dec 10, Patricia (Australia - temperate climate): Hi I live in WA is it too late to plant Okra seed now Jan 2011 Thankyou
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03 Jan 11, Katie S (Australia - temperate climate): We planted okra seeds into seedling trays in sept 2010. Now that they are in the ground and about knee height maybe 50cm they are producing fruit. We are unsure as to whether to take off some of the lower leaves and buds or just leave it all on there. The plants just dont seem to look right. But as we are beginners with okra we're not sure. Any feedback would be appreciated. Also do ants eating the flowers cause the pods to be bent?
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Have just tried growing okra in Perth and have had great success. Planted them against Nth facing wall out of direct sea breeze. I watered regularly and nursed them to about 40cm and then the took off. Now about 1.2 m. Will have first harvest next week.

- matt berry

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Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Your comments and tips

Gardenate

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Your comments and tips

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